One religion

Sir — This refers to the letter, “Humanity before religion is the answer to violence” (July 17) by G David Milton. The writer’s homilies and platitudes in clubbing Hindus with Christians and Muslims, are not acceptable for the following reasons. First, Hindus can be atheists, agnostics and believers of one god to many  gods and goddesses. This is known as Istadevatawad, or to worship god/goddess of one’s choice. 

Second, Hindus not only recognise but respect the Istadevatawad of Christians as god whose only begotten son is Jesus and that of Muslims as allah whose last prophet is Muhammad. 

Third, Hindus believe in ancient civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the universe is one family), sakala ghate narayan (narayan resides in every being), sarve bhavantu sukhinah (let all be happy). In these beliefs, there is no scope for ‘we/us’ and ‘they’. Therefore, Hindus can be  casteists but not communalists.